Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called on young people to shield their peaceful protests from criminal elements, warning that continued violence and destruction could cost the country jobs and damage its economic future.
Speaking during a tour of Ngong Veg Farm and Processing Facility in Kajiado County, Kagwe stressed the importance of protecting the country’s stability, especially as protests continue in multiple parts of Kenya.
“Whose country is this? It is ours. We must protect it,” Kagwe said on Saturday. “When criminals infiltrate peaceful movements and cause destruction, they don’t just damage property. They damage Kenya’s reputation, scare off investors, and make it harder for the young people to access the very jobs they are demanding.”
Kagwe said the unrest has already begun to create a negative perception abroad, warning that international investors could divert funds to more stable regions even those with fewer democratic freedoms. He emphasized that this shift could reduce employment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, which remains one of Kenya’s largest job providers.
Ngong Veg Farm, the site of his remarks, currently employs over 5,000 workers. The facility has expanded operations with support from the Agriculture Finance Corporation (AFC), whose representatives joined Kagwe during the inspection.
The CS pointed to Ngong Veg as proof that peaceful environments attract investment and unlock job opportunities for young Kenyans. “This is what investment looks like,” Kagwe said, standing among workers at the processing plant. “This is what we risk losing if chaos continues.”
Kagwe reaffirmed that peaceful protests are a constitutional right but warned that violence disrupts the very systems the youth hope to change.
The Ministry of Agriculture has prioritized agribusiness expansion to meet food security goals and support the job market. But according to Kagwe, those efforts could stall if investors continue to view Kenya as unstable.
His visit comes at a time when youth-led protests fueled by frustration over governance, the Finance Bill, and economic hardship have intensified across the country. Some demonstrations have ended in property damage, clashes with police, and casualties, prompting fresh warnings from state officials.
CS Mutahi Kagwe urged protesters to stay focused on their message without allowing criminal actions to overshadow the movement. “Defending your rights doesn’t mean destroying the country. It means protecting its future,” he concluded.
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